Destination Boomers

My life has taken many turns like all of us. At this point, I have the time and freedom to travel and this blog such a perfect fit – I can write, photograph and create visual excitement – the best part is it forces me to learn and reach out for more knowledge about each location. My friends and co-workers say I’m a passionate and creative person and have a knack for seeing the beauty around me. My goal is to inspire the creative spirit in all of us as we journey. The majority of my life has been like a Mom and working also, in yearbook publishing, the higher education arena, school photography and the design fields (I had my antiques/accessories store) – so all that experience brought me here. As far as what I’m like or who I am – I’m probably like most of you – I’m frustrated with the endless web of remote travel sites – it’s a maze – and so tiresome sifting through it all. Most of the info come at us one-way – wouldn’t a two-way street with information flowing back & forth before we go and as we return be better? So let’s help others get a glimpse inside before check-in. You know – a visual experience – a thorough review. “Don’t you enjoy hearing about a quiet resort from a friend?” – I think it’s better than reading about it on a commercial site. We can create a travel portfolio together by sharing. it’s so easy! Hit search – write in a location and check out what we’ve uncovered. All of us can only choose where we go and use this blog as another resource. Trust me, we all love our GPS and probably, my friends and my husband would say, I am a directionally challenged person. But when you think of this blog, it will not be driven by a GPS internal drive – it is meant to be a slow, thoughtful take, by us, of places we’ve gone, experienced, things we’ve loved seeing and been wowed by. It will never include everywhere to work and certainly not everything there is to do. We want you to post your memories, so we all get to see these special places and memories. Let’s make this blog more of a personal – traveler’s commentary of our first-hand memories. I believe the treasures of a trip are found in the details – the stranger who told the story – the chef who amazed us – the innkeeper who remembered to do something out of the ordinary – you’ll know when it’s a memory, we will all want to know! All you need to do is identify the place – why you liked it – why it was of value to you and then if you have them, email in your favorite pictures to destinationboomers@gmail.com Your way – no rules here – just your thoughts – memories – the joyful accounting of places and sights. Let’s only create our own Rolodex of our “over the top” places! People have been journaling about their travel expeditions for centuries. Whether we’re 59 – not that I am – ha ha – of course, I am, or 45 or 75, I think it’s safe to say, we all enjoy hearing about different things, but I do believe some...

We are headed back up to the Delta – which is close to Isleton, California – a tranquil lovely place to get away. The water in the delta is used for agriculture and controlled strictly – check this out concerning the waters of the Delta: Article quoting the Watermaster of the Delta We see all kinds of houseboats available to rent when out on these waters – it would be worth checking into for a getaway don’t you think? Have any of you done that? What has been your experience? Please do tell!

Pension du Vigneron – HEALDSBURG – May I just simply say WOW!
This is an incredibly unique destination we just found nestled in the Dry Creek area of Sonoma County in the wine country.
YES, those are my feet LOL! – haha! I was relaxing on the dock listening to the birds looking at the “shimmer factor” on the water and feeling the wind gently blow my hair – it was as though this was my own personal vineyard – all literally 6 minutes from a very quaint town in the wine country – Healdsburg, CA.
When do you get the chance to feel as though you live right smack in a vineyard and have your own private lake with geese and the whole deal – come on – this is pretty cool!

We discovered this wonderful historic hotel – La Playa Carmel by the Sea – on our last stay in Carmel.
The grounds are just breath taking – the setting with views of the ocean just two blocks walking distance away and equal distance to downtown was so ideal. Originally it was owned as a principal residence by a member of the famous Ghirardelli family known for their chocolate in San Francisco.
We booked on the very day of our arrival and stayed in two rooms actually. We started in an Ocean View Room…

Chalkboard Bistro & Wine Bar 29 North St Reservations (707) 473-8030 Incredibly noisy – next time we would request the only table outside – otherwise forego this restaurant – even our server struggled to hear our order! We felt the presentation of the food was impeccable & interesting – service was timely & totally tight – Loved the interesting menu! Not a bad value for two with dessert – although a split – 2 glasses of wine – $118. The key lime strawberry sorbet was supreme – Louisiana Gulf Shrimp with a taste of vermouth and the sweet tomatoes and little potatoes was great, and we did thoroughly enjoy the crab tater tots. We just wanted to have a conversation and with the proximity of our neighboring tables and the overall noise level it was an evening of people watching and plate observing – which was enjoyable but not quite relaxed dining! For more menu info: Chalkboard Barn Diva Restaurant Pricey – we loved the Frites with the spicy ketchup – ambiance & service friendly knowledgeable and great – Lamb Special that John had was served tepid at best – Fillet was “melt in your mouth” – we split the mixed Garden Baby Lettuces Salad – with the shaved fennel, thinly sliced apple, herbs & a champagne vinaigrette – superb! Overall we had three glasses of wine – 1 salad – 2 entrees – no dessert – $182. Our wine wasn’t cheap at $17/glass. We would most likely try a new restaurant next visit – although important note – our hosts frequent here often and highly recommend it! For more menu info click here to visit their website: BarnDiva OK tell us about your favorite food finds… Happy...

The people here play the French game of Petanque. The pension owners, Jim & Ann, said it is quite popular in Healdsburg with leagues of play going on – they have their court on the property for their use. Apparently this game is much like Bocce, but the courts are very graceful and not like a bowling alley. We enjoyed bocce and did not know of this game. You play from a ring once the Jack has been thrown. In this version, your feet must remain planted while you attempt to toss your ball as close to the jack as possible, much as in bocce. Popular amongst the landed elite in France and here in Healdsburg as well – little did I know? If you love bocce or horseshoes, you may want to investigate Petanque. Here’s a link for more information; Petanque America Lily’s Chinese Massage If you need a massage while in HEALDSBURG Oh my gosh, this was the best massage I’ve had since our trip last December to Bali! Lily specializes in Swedish, deep tissue massage & foot massage and trusts me she is excellent! Very reasonably priced as well. Click here to the website: Lilys Chinese...

Flying Fish Grill This was such a fun place – intimate booths & outstanding light food! Japanese, Asian Fusion, Seafood Mission Street, Between Ocean and 7th Avenues, Carmel, CA 93923 (831) 625-1962 For more menu info click here: Flying Fish Grill Gratings Bar We found this place very romantic and good old American food – which is one of our favorites often! 6th Street & Mission Carmel, CA 93923 (831) 624-6562 For more menu info click here: Gratings The Bench at PEBBLE BEACH – Wood-roasted Cuisine – Casual dining experience – Reservations (800) 654-9300 We had burgers here – which they are known for and didn’t find them spectacular, but the setting and views were! All of that said we came back again the next day to purchase a Christmas gift at the golf pro shop for my brother Scott & his wife and had lunch again. This time, we had their flatbread pizza, and it was so delicious! Oh and do have their ice tea it is like none I’ve had before – they make it with a simple syrup on the side and basil and although I like unsweetened tea this was exquisite. I do love my ice tea – remember I am from the south. The whole setting was breathtaking! For more info no the menu clicks here: The Bench For more menu info click here: Flaherty’s Seafood Carmel Bakery (best pretzels!) They make the yummiest pretzels you will ever have from scratch here – OMG! I avoided them this time – trying to avoid dairy for awhile – we think might be contributing to my migraines – so giving this diet change a shot. Ocean Ave & Lincoln Carmel, CA 93923 For more of their bakery offerings click here: Carmel...